Cost of Living in South Burlington, VT
Population 20,488 · Vermont · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
South Burlington is a smaller Vermont community of around 20000 residents, where median household incomes of $97,229 and housing costs ($400,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Located 125 miles north of Albany, South Burlington is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 79% higher than Albany's $223,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in South Burlington
The median home value in South Burlington is $399,600 — 31% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,755/month, 34% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $97,229/year is 30% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Vermont's top state income tax rate is 8.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.2%. The climate averages highs of 56.6°F and lows of 38.6°F, with about 87.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, South Burlington has a cost of living index of 132 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 29 | 32 | 41 | 55 | 69 | 78 | 82 | 81 | 73 | 59 | 46 | 35 |
| Low °F | 13 | 14 | 24 | 36 | 48 | 57 | 62 | 61 | 53 | 42 | 32 | 21 |
| Precip" | 2.13 | 1.77 | 2.24 | 3.07 | 3.76 | 4.26 | 4.06 | 3.54 | 3.67 | 3.83 | 2.70 | 2.50 |
| Snow" | 21.1 | 19.3 | 17.5 | 4.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 5.7 | 19.5 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in South Burlington, VT?
South Burlington has a cost index of 132 (100 = national average). It is 32% above the national average.
What is average rent in South Burlington, VT?
The median gross rent in South Burlington is $1,755 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in South Burlington?
The median home value in South Burlington is $399,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in South Burlington?
The median household income in South Burlington is $97,229 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in South Burlington, VT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Burlington is 6.2%. The Vermont state income tax top rate is 8.8%.
Is South Burlington, VT affordable?
South Burlington is above average in cost of living, with an index of 132 — about 32% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in South Burlington?
South Burlington has average high temperatures of 56.6°F and average lows of 38.6°F. Annual precipitation is 37.5". Average annual snowfall is 87.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
South Burlington at a Glance
- Population
- 20,488
- Median Income
- $97,229
- Home Value
- $399,600
- Median Rent
- $1,755/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.2%
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